"You refuse to reply?" he went on. "You persist in keeping silent as you kept silent under examination? Let me beg of you, in your own interests, to speak. Your silence can only be harmful to your case. You refuse to speak?"—He paused again.
"The matter is in the hands of the jury. You shall hear the evidence against you. Clerk of the court, call the first witness!"
A stir and a murmur ran through the court as the President settled back in his chair and the clerk called, "Victor Chouquet! Victor Chouquet!"
Perissard and Merivel had managed to secure seats well forward and watched the proceedings with the interest of experts.
"What did I tell you, my dear Merivel!" whispered the senior partner.
"It has all been arranged!"
"Of course it has!"
While they were awaiting the appearance of the boots of the Three Crowns, Raymond gazed curiously at his client. It was the first time he had ever seen her, and he was wondering what tragic story was masked behind her stony, inscrutable face. She did not seem to be aware that he was alive, and turning her head, glanced over the row of judges. Suddenly Raymond saw her eyes widen with horror and amazement Her bosom heaved and her lips worked as if she were trying to speaks He rose hastily and leaned over the dock.
"What is the matter, madame? Are you ill?" he asked in quick undertone.
She turned to him with the jerky, uncertain movements of an automaton, but kept her eyes fastened on the bench.